HONG KONG - Hong Kong Customs kicked off on Monday the 26th World Customs Organization (WCO) Asia/Pacific Regional Heads of Customs Administrations Conference, pooling wisdom and rallying efforts to boost connectivity and trade.

The conference, running from Monday to Thursday, features discussions on various customs initiatives and actions pertinent to the Asia-Pacific region, enabling participants to share ideas and make decisions to enhance connectivity and trade facilitation among regional members, thereby promoting the development of customs affairs in the region.

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In his opening address, Chan Tsz-tat, the WCO vice-chairperson for the Asia-Pacific region and the commissioner of customs and excise of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), highlighted that the conference serves as an important platform for discussing regional policies and formulating the future of the customs community, encouraging participants to share ideas and experiences, propose customs initiatives and stay updated with the latest customs developments.

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Chan hoped that the commitment and dedication of the Asia-Pacific family would foster regional cooperation in addressing evolving global challenges.

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The conference is the highest-level meeting held annually in the Asia-Pacific region, which has gathered more than 120 heads of customs organizations and senior officials from the region, along with delegates from the WCO's regional entities.